George Allen (American football coach) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
George Allen

Allen c. 1981–1987
Personal information
Born:	(1918-04-29)April 29, 1918 Grosse Pointe, Michigan, U.S.
Died:	December 31, 1990(1990-12-31) (aged 72) Rancho Palos Verdes, California, U.S.
Career information
College:	Michigan State Normal College University of Michigan
Career history
As coach:
Michigan (1947) Assistant coach Morningside (1948–1950) Head coach Whittier (1951–1956) Head coach Los Angeles Rams (1957) Offensive ends coach Chicago Bears (1958) Consultant Chicago Bears (1959) Assistant coach Chicago Bears (1962) Defensive coordinator Los Angeles Rams (1966) Head coach Washington Redskins (1971) Head coach & general manager Chicago Blitz (1983) Head coach Arizona Wranglers (1984) Head coach Long Beach State (1990) Head coach
As executive:
Chicago Bears (1958–1965) Head of player personnel
Career highlights and awards
2× NFL Coach of the Year (1967, 1971) 80 Greatest Redskins Washington Commanders Ring of Fame
Head coaching record
Regular season:	NFL: 116–47–5 (.705) USFL: 22–14 (.611) College: 53–38–7 (.577) Total: 191–99–12 (.652)
Postseason:	NFL: 2–7 (.222) USFL: 2–2 (.500) Total: 4–9 (.308)
Career:	NFL: 118–54–5 (.681) USFL: 24–16 (.600) College: 53–38–7 (.577) Total: 195–108–12 (.638)
Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
In office 1981–1988
President	Ronald Reagan
Preceded by	Al McGuire
Succeeded by	Dick Kazmaier
Personal details
Spouse	Etty Lumbroso
Children	George Bruce Gregory Jennifer
Coaching stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

George Herbert Allen (April 29, 1918 – December 31, 1990) was a famous American football coach. He led two teams in the National Football League (NFL). These were the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 to 1970 and the Washington Redskins from 1971 to 1977.

Allen's teams had winning records in all 12 of his seasons as an NFL head coach. His regular-season record was 116 wins, 47 losses, and 5 ties. Seven of his teams made it to the NFL playoffs. The 1972 Washington Redskins even reached Super Bowl VII. They lost to the Miami Dolphins.

Before the NFL, Allen coached college football. He was head coach at Morningside College (1948–1950) and Whittier College (1951–1956). He joined the NFL in 1957 as an assistant coach for the Rams. From 1958 to 1965, he worked for the Chicago Bears. He was an assistant coach and in charge of finding new players. Then, he returned to the Rams as head coach in 1966.

After coaching, Allen worked as a TV sports commentator. He also coached in the United States Football League (USFL). He led the Chicago Blitz in 1983 and the Arizona Wranglers in 1984. The Wranglers reached the USFL championship game. His final coaching job was at California State University, Long Beach in 1990. In college, he had a record of 53 wins, 38 losses, and 7 ties.

George Allen was added to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. His oldest son, also named George Allen, became a politician. He served as Governor and U.S. Senator for Virginia. His second son, Bruce, also worked in football. He was a general manager for NFL teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Redskins.

Early Life and Education

George Allen was born in Detroit, Michigan. His father worked as a chauffeur. George was a talented athlete in high school. He earned awards in football, track, and basketball at Lake Shore High School. He graduated in 1940.

Allen went to Alma College and later Marquette University. He was part of a Navy training program during World War II. He earned a science degree in education from Eastern Michigan University. Later, he got a master's degree in physical education from the University of Michigan in 1947.

Coaching Football: College Years

George Allen started his head coaching career in college football.

Morningside College Coach

Allen was the head football coach at Morningside College in Iowa. He coached there for three seasons, from 1948 to 1950. His team's record at Morningside was 16 wins, 11 losses, and 2 ties.

Whittier College Coach

Next, Allen coached at Whittier College in California. He was the head football coach for six seasons (1951–1956). His record there was 32 wins, 22 losses, and 5 ties. He also coached the baseball team at Whittier.

Coaching Football: NFL Assistant

Allen moved to the NFL as an assistant coach.

Joining the Los Angeles Rams

In 1957, Allen joined the Los Angeles Rams as an assistant coach. He worked under Hall of Fame coach Sid Gillman. After one season, he left the Rams.

Working with the Chicago Bears

In 1958, George Halas, the owner and coach of the Chicago Bears, hired Allen. Allen's first job was to scout the Rams. Halas was very impressed by Allen's detailed work. Allen soon became a full-time assistant coach.

By 1962, Allen became the Bears' top defensive assistant. He was essentially their defensive coordinator. His new defensive plans and strong motivation helped the Bears' defense become one of the best. Players like Bill George and Doug Atkins improved greatly under him.

In 1963, Allen's defense helped the Bears win the NFL championship. They allowed the fewest points in the league. The players even gave Allen the "game ball" after their championship win. Allen also helped choose future Hall of Fame players for the Bears. These included Mike Ditka (1961), Gale Sayers, and Dick Butkus (1965).

Coaching Football: NFL Head Coach

George Allen became a head coach in the NFL, known for his intense style.

Return to the Rams as Head Coach

In 1966, Allen became the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams had not had many winning seasons. Allen quickly changed things. He held tough, long practices. His famous motto was "the future is now." He believed in trading for experienced players instead of drafting many new ones. He also focused on special teams (kickoff, punt, and field-goal units).

Allen turned the Rams' 4–10 record in 1965 into an 8–6 winning record in his first year. This was their first winning season since 1958. In 1967, he won the Coach of the Year award. He led the Rams to an 11–1–2 record and their first playoff spot since 1955.

After the 1970 season, Allen was let go by the Rams. There were disagreements between him and the team owner, Dan Reeves. Despite this, Allen left as one of the most successful coaches in Rams history.

Leading the Washington Redskins

On January 6, 1971, Allen became the head coach and general manager of the Washington Redskins. He immediately traded for many veteran players from his old Rams team. Sportswriters called the team the "Ramskins" or "Redrams."

Allen brought the Redskins back to being a winning team. They had not had much success for over two decades. The 1971 team finished with a 9–4–1 record and made the playoffs. In 1972, Allen's team won the NFC East title with an 11–3 record. Their strong defense helped them reach the Super Bowl. They played against the undefeated Miami Dolphins but lost 14–7.

Allen's Redskins teams were known for their hard work and team spirit. The older players were called the "Over-the-Hill Gang." They often played their best in important games. The Redskins made the playoffs in five of Allen's seven years. The rivalry between the Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys became very intense during this time.

Third Time with the Rams

After leaving the Redskins in 1978, Allen returned to the Rams as head coach. This time, he did not have full control over player decisions. His strict coaching style did not work well with the players. Some players even left training camp briefly. After losing the first two preseason games, Allen was fired on August 13, 1978. He was replaced by Ray Malavasi.

Coaching in the USFL and College

After his third time with the Rams, Allen worked as a TV analyst for CBS Sports. In 1983, he returned to coaching in the new United States Football League (USFL). He coached the Chicago Blitz. The Blitz had a 12–6 record but lost in the playoffs.

In 1984, Allen coached the Arizona Wranglers in the USFL. He led them to the USFL Championship Game, where they lost. He resigned from the Wranglers due to money problems.

In 1990, Allen took his final coaching job at Long Beach State University. The team had struggled, but under Allen, they finished with a winning 6–5 record.

George Allen's Legacy

George Allen was known as one of the hardest-working coaches in football. He often worked 16-hour days and sometimes slept at the team's training complex. He was famous for spending a lot of money to get the players he wanted. One team president joked that Allen was given an "unlimited budget and he exceeded it."

Allen was also known for being very careful. He sometimes thought his practices were being spied on. He was the first NFL coach to hire a full-time security person to keep spies away. Allen kept himself in shape, running several miles each day. He did not smoke, drink, or use bad language. He often drank milk. President Ronald Reagan later appointed him to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Focus on Veteran Players

Allen was famous for preferring experienced players over new ones. His motto, "the future is now," showed this. He made 131 trades as an NFL coach. Many of these trades were for veteran players. When he coached the Redskins, he brought in many older players he had coached with the Rams. This is why the Redskins were called the "Over-the-Hill Gang."

Importance of Special Teams

Allen also believed that special teams were very important. In 1969, he was the first NFL coach to hire a coach just for special teams. This was Dick Vermeil. Later, he hired Marv Levy. Allen even brought in a player, George Burman, just to be a long snapper for punts. This made Burman the first modern specialist long snapper in the NFL.

Many coaches who worked with Allen went on to have successful careers. This shows how much he influenced the game.

Achievements and Honors

George Allen had one of the best winning percentages in NFL history (.681). He never coached an NFL team to a losing season. This was especially impressive with the Redskins, who had struggled for years before he arrived.

He was a great defensive coach and motivator. He helped make playbooks more detailed and improved how teams drafted players. He also made the Dallas Cowboys–Washington Redskins rivalry very exciting.

Allen was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Family and Passing

George Allen married Henrietta (Etty) Lumbroso. They had four children: three sons and one daughter. His son George became a politician. His son Bruce worked as a football executive. His daughter, Jennifer, is an author.

Allen passed away on December 31, 1990, at age 72. He died from a heart problem. There was some talk that a "Gatorade shower" might have played a role. His players had dumped a bucket of ice water on him after a game. However, his son later said that his father had a pre-existing heart condition. He said the water only caused a cold.

After his death, a soccer field at Long Beach State University was named George Allen Field in his honor. A youth baseball field in California is also named after him.

Coaching Records

Professional Football Record

College Football Record

Images for kids

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  A football signed by George Allen and given to President Gerald Ford.